Fair Housing March

Father Groppi and Vel Phillips on Hood of Bus

How do citizens work for change when faced with injustice? How can individuals make a difference?

The traveling display "Crossing the Line: The Milwaukee Fair Housing Marches of 1967-1968" commemorates the 50th anniversary of Milwaukee's civil rights marches by examining the practices and prejudices that led to segregation in Milwaukee and chronicling the school desegregation and fair housing movements of the 1960s. It also asks the question, "What can you do to end segregation today?"

The Wisconsin Historical Society currently provides this display to schools, public libraries, historical societies and civic organizations in Wisconsin. To request "Crossing the Line" for your organization, please email travelingexhibits@wisconsinhistory.org or contact Rick Bernstein at 608-264-6583. To browse the Wisconsin Historical Society's other traveling displays, click here.

What's In the Display?

The eight panels of "Crossing the Line" tell the story of Milwaukee's civil rights marches in simple language, with reproductions of 33 historic photographs and documents. The display is most suitable for secondary schools and the general public.

A teacher's curriculum guide that includes documents on the civil rights movement in Wisconsin and a digital collection are also available (see below).

The Wisconsin Historical Society gratefully acknowledges the Milwaukee County Historical Society, Wisconsin Black Historical Society and Museum, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and March on Milwaukee 50th Anniversary Coordinating Committee for their help developing content for "Crossing the Line."